First Kill

Michael Sykora #0.5

by Darcia Helle

A short story introducing the beginnings of a hired assassin.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Short Stories, Fiction

24 pages, Nook

First published October 31, 2010

About the author

Dusty corners of the mind intrigue me.

I'm an armchair explorer; book in one hand, mug of tea in the other.

Connect on Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/DarciaHelle

Reviews

[Scott Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the plot, I like the writing, I like the character. I rated a three star only because I was left wanting so much more. Otherwise, top notch writing. I'm looking forward to my birthday at the end of the month. Hopefully some amazon gift cards will come and I can pick up a full length novel. ;)

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A skillfully written crime short story, taking a minor character from Darcia's Michael Sykora series of novels, and giving him the spotlight. Sean Riley is a man with a dark past and this story shows just what effect his past has had on the way he now lives his life. If you like crime fiction, you'll love the way Darcia Helle writes. This character oozes pure evil, and the dialogue-driven prose helps to give the reader the impression that they are a fly on the wall witnessing this brutal scene. Definitely not a story for the fainthearted!

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short story.
What causes a man to become a hired killer? What makes him, then, change?
I wasn't impressed.

[Skip · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not a fan of short stories nor one chapter books. Just not enough time for plot nor character development. This book is about the torture and killing of a child molester. Icky.

[MelMon Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected and powerful

Sean McCarthy and Michael Saykora were both brought together through devestatimg circumstances. The path they leas is a dangerous one and it brings so many, just a little bit of solace.

This is my first time reading this Author and I have to say I was blown away with the power behind this short story. No doubt, I am hooked! If you haven't read it, I highly suggest you do.

[Monte Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take 15 minutes, it's free.

A very quick read, but after reading her first installment of the Michael Sykora novels, just had to read this one. Took less than 15 minutes,but just a good as her novels.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcia Helle ALWAYS delivers, and this short story is no exception!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story about an assassin's kill and how it is linked to his first kill. It was an interesting short story.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the shortest novellas I've read which is why it loses one star. It's within those few pages that the author gives her readers a first-time look at the makings of Sean and what more's to come.

[Stacey Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Read

It was short but captivating. Although I'm privvy to these kinds of stories. It made me want more. Great read!

[Jess Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story that delivers--with strong characterization and no time wasted in terms of storytelling. There are two things I truly loathe in terms of reading material: (1) superficiality, and (2) filler (words simply there to increase the word count, with more emphasis on quantity than quality. These two qualities are most certainly not found in this eBook and other books by the same author.

I have enjoyed reading Darcia Helle's writing for several years and I think her brand of suspense stories/novels would appeal to many. As a sample or free download (at the time of this posting), this story is a superb introduction to the world her characters inhabit, where the reader gets to viscerally experience the blurred lines between revenge and justice.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Kill (Darcia Helle)

A short story introducing the character, Sean Riley who is in the Michael Sykora series. We find out about Seans' past and how he became an assassin. Fantastic short. A great introduction to the other three.

No Justice,Beyond Salvationand Killing Instinct: A Michael Sykora Novel(the newest in Michael Sykora Series)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so this was a very short read, but a VERY powerful start to this authors series Michael Sykora. The author totally got my attention with every page I turned. I will be reading this series. It's a very intense look into a world I hope I never get to know or know anyone this has happened to. Unfortunately it does happen all the time. I agree and disagree with this characters way of handling things. One part of me applauds him, the other, he scares the daylights out of me. Would I want hire him? I sure would think about it. All this review from such a short story, like I said, it's a powerful subject. You know you want to find out, go ahead, download and read for yourself.

[Stacy Juba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a powerful short story based on characters from the two Michael Sykora novels - No Justice and Beyond Salvation. It was really well written with well-drawn characters. Having read some of the author's full-length books, I shouldn't have been surprised by how powerful this was. I haven't read the Michael Sykora novels yet but have just downloaded them as this story left me intrigued and wanting to know more!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcia Helle's "The First Kill" is not for the faint of heart. This is a brief, but graphic, crime story reminiscent of British gangster films. Her main character, Sean, is an assassin for hire ... and he is plying his art with aplomb in this tale.

Crime fiction fans should investigate this story.

[Shekhar Ruparelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short story about a detective who, I am made to understand, plays a side role in the other stories by the same author.

'The First Kill' is a short, fast read. Just what you need on a short, train journey. Kept me wanting to twitch my fingers and reassuring myself that they were alright (read to find out more).

Helps build some intrigue about the main characters.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this was short, yes, I wanted more, but wow, it was an extremely powerful story, stinging the brain with very few words. The writing was punchy, hard hitting and flowed with ease, bringing alive the character, so much that I instantly could feel everything...always a plus for my reading.

A fabulous taster for this series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about a hired gun. Not bad, makes me wish I would have won The Cutting Edge. Now I am off to read a full length novel by Helle.

[Mark Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I agree with the other reviewers: this is not for the squeamish. But if you enjoy crime dramas like Dexter , this series of books may be for you. I liked the way this story clip was driven foreword by dialogue.

[Lynn Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read! Wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but the short story was written well. Gives the reader the insight on how a killer can be born and use his skills for the greater good. And the bad guy got the Justice he deserved!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected. It was about 5 pages long and took 3 minutes to read.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short! I loved seeing another side of Sean. It was great to see things told from his side. I can see another series of books told from his perspective and his side of the "job".

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what to rate this. The writing was good, but the execution of a short story was sadly lacking and left me feeling I wasted time reading this short story.

[Doreena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very quick story. It establishes the storyline for another book I believe.

[Nelson Mays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to the authors characters. I liked it.

[Eden Baylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary, torturous scene and a wonderful way to introduce a new character. Ms. Helle has definitely hooked me for more.

[Riz · Rating 4 out of 5]

short stories don't usually captivate me from page one - The First Kill is an exception and a fabulous fast read

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a VERY short story, but well written & peaked my interest to read the first in the series NO Justice.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will make you think in a very few short pages .

[Mark Rybka-Wachhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the mind of an assassin. Part of a series, but understandable without having read it.